What can your family history tell you about your children's health?
We are all linked to our relatives through our genes. Our parents pass down genetic information that influences traits like hair texture, eye color, height, and even the likelihood of developing conditions like diabetes.
Environmental factors also play a significant role. For example, while someone's genes may predispose them to be tall, if they do not have enough nutrition growing up, they may be shorter than their genes would suggest.
Genetic information can offer valuable insights into our health and that of our children. A genetic counselor can assist in reviewing your family history to identify potential inherited conditions.
Many well-known conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, are often considered multifactorial. This means that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to their development. Having multiple relatives with such conditions likely increases the chance of developing them, but given there are environmental factors that also contribute, it doesn’t mean someone is destined to develop the condition.
Some conditions have a single genetic cause, and testing is available to determine this cause. If a condition is genetically determined, only those who inherit the relevant genetic factor would be expected to have it, while others would not.
For those who did not inherit the genetic factor, their risk of developing the condition is similar to anyone else without a family history. However, for those who did inherit it, there is a possibility of passing it on to their children. This information can be crucial in understanding potential hereditary risks for future generations. Additional genetic testing may be available to test embryos or pregnancies for such conditions.
One example of a condition with a genetic cause is Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer syndrome (HBOC), caused by variants in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. When these genes are altered, the risk of developing certain cancers increases. Testing can determine if you carry these variants.
If the genes are not altered, then the risk of developing cancer would likely be similar to the general population's risk. Everyone has a chance of developing cancer. However, if you carry a variant in the gene, then additional evaluations and possibly preventive surgeries may be recommended. If you wish to prevent passing this variant to your children, embryo testing is an option.
Depending on the familial condition, it can be determined if it has a genetic cause, and if there is genetic testing available. If you are interested in learning about the chance certain conditions can be passed on to your future children, consider consulting a genetic counselor or your physician.
* This blog constitutes general information about genetic testing and medical screening. This blog does not offer or provide medical advice or diagnosis, and nothing in this blog should be construed as medical advice or diagnosis. Do not rely on the information in this blog/article to make medical management decisions. Please consult with a medical professional before making those decisions. Do not delay in seeking professional medical advice if you think you have a medical concern. Do not disregard professional medical advice based on any information received in this blog.
